RUFF. GRALLATORES. MACHETES. 129 



head, several birds which have since become the types of 

 new genera in the family of the Scolopacidce. ; as well as 

 others, now more properly transferred to the Rallida and 

 Charadriada. The distinguishing characteristics of this cu- 

 rious bird did not, however, escape the keen and observant 

 eye of CUVIER ; and, accordingly, in his valuable work the 

 " Regne Animal," he has removed it from its former station, 

 and made it the type of a new genus, which he has appro- 

 priately named Machetes, as expressive of the pugnacious 

 disposition that so remarkably distinguishes the only species 

 hitherto discovered. In its affinities it appears to connect the 

 Tringas (particularly that group to which the Knot belongs) 

 with the Sandpipers ( Totani) ; the length of the tarsi, and 

 structure of the feet, as well as its superior size, indicating 

 a near approach to the latter group ; while the dimensions 

 and form of the bill assimilate it to the former. The habits 

 and mode of life of the Ruff strongly resemble, in many re- 

 spects, the other scolopaceous groups. It differs, however, 

 from all the rest in that essential point of its economy, the 

 propagation of the species; for, instead of being monoga- 

 mous, as they are, and associated with the female in the va- 

 rious duties attendant upon the rearing of the young, &c., 

 the males are polygamous, and their society is courted for a 

 short time only by different females; a peculiarity which 

 also distinguishes some of the rasorial Order, along with 

 certain members of the Anatida, in the Order Natatores. 

 It is during this period only that the male birds are adorned 

 with the singular feathers that spring from the hinder part 

 of the head and the neck (from whence arises the English 

 designation), as well as the papillae upon the forehead and 

 round the base of the bill. 



VOL. II. 



